WRU Statement

A WRU Statement in response to an earlier statement issued by the four Welsh Regions.

WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said today: "We are encouraged that the four Regions wish to resume discussions about a new five year agreement with the WRU. We have written to them all inviting them to a meeting later this month.

"Whilst I am disappointed by their personal attack on myself, the WRU is responsible for 241 clubs in Wales as well as the four regions and we have to do what is right in the best interests of all of Welsh rugby.

"I must correct the major inaccuracies in the Regions' statement and also outline the progression of events. It is important that the fans and players who are at the heart of Welsh rugby understand the facts in full.

"In January of this year, the four Regions raised the question of Rugby World Cup Compensation. It was clearly and unambiguously stated by the WRU in meetings with various members of the four regions in February, March, May, July and August of this year that their request for further monies was without foundation.

"Furthermore, this view was consistently and vigorously conveyed by the Chairman of the WRU, David Pickering, to the four regions at all meetings he attended.

"At a meeting on March 15th it was minuted that the regions themselves "offered direct access to all player contracts in support of the regions claim". This was not a request from the WRU.

In May of this year I presented a new way forward for the regions and the WRU. This was issued without prejudice and subject to contract clearly stating the ambitious new proposals would involve an agreement for five years.

"The 15 point charter outlined included a commitment to secure the commercial sustainability of the four Regions, encourage Welsh players to play in Wales, agree an elite player development programme, share vital data and technology, develop elite coaches and plan the future for the rugby academies.

"The charter also aimed to secure a more effective relationship between the Regions and the Premiership and to agree a joint business and marketing strategy to achieve long term financial sustainability.

"It was that 15 point charter which would have opened the door to a range of new payments including agreement to talk about additional money throughout the extended term.

"However, it was clear that the regions main focus was on their claim for compensation for Rugby World Cup. Their response in August contained unrealistic financial demands upon the Union. The Union made it clear then and reiterated throughout its further discussions that it would not consider the principle of RWC compensation.

"Accordingly, the regions are wrong when they say they were not aware of any fundamental disagreement before the 23rd of August. Furthermore, during this meeting, the WRU asked the regions that these discussions continue in private. We remain sadly disappointed that this did not happen.

"It is time for these discussions to move back into the meeting room, not in the press, and I look forward to meeting the regional representatives once more later this month. At a full WRU Board meeting on August 30th, the Board overwhelmingly supported the Union's position.

"The focus for everyone involved in Welsh rugby has to concentrate now on supporting Wales's ambitions in the Rugby World Cup, the greatest rugby tournament in the world."

British & Irish Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Dan Biggar return to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's crucial NatWest 6 Nations encounter in Dublin against Ireland where Warren Gatland's men will be seeking their second scalp of the campaign.

Wales forward coach Robin McBryde has given Welsh fans a major boost ahead of this weekend's vital NatWest 6 Nations clash by declaring "Everybody has been given the green light," with injured trio Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny all back in training.

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will create history in the opening round of the NatWest 6 Nations clash at Stade de France where France face Ireland, when he surpasses the previous record of 17 Six Nations matches held by Alain Rolland and Jonathan Kaplan, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.